Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $355K), a difference of about $355K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Chantilly
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$710K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
18 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Chantilly schools | See Richmond schools
Chantilly
VA
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
85%
67%
Top Schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Chantilly
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
22
52
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chantilly
VA
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Chantilly or Richmond?
Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Chantilly or Richmond better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.